As the political landscape shifts with the advent of a second term for Donald Trump, significant changes loom on the horizon for U.S. immigration and Latin American policy. The president-elect has declared that his administration will prioritize mass deportations from day one, stirring concerns among experts and advocates. Additionally, with Senator Marco Rubio expected to assume the role of Secretary of State, a renewed focus on Latin American policy, particularly towards nations like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, is anticipated.
The incoming Trump administration’s commitment to mass deportations has been clearly stated with an intent to begin immediately. “We need to appreciate that the president with respect to foreign affairs and national security has great discretion under what is known as Article 2 of the Constitution, the powers of the presidency,” noted Ediberto Roman, a law professor at Florida International University. This broad power allows significant leeway in implementing immigration policy, yet lacks detailed plans, leaving experts like Roman concerned about potential civil and human rights issues that may arise from such sweeping actions.
Roman anticipates a surge in legal resistance as immigration, civil, and human rights attorneys prepare for expected lawsuits to counter the deportation efforts. “There are going to be roundups,” he said, “where undocumented individuals are going to be arrested and deported, which he has the right to do under his power.” Roman also warned of possible human rights abuses and the indiscriminate targeting of Latino communities, particularly in South Florida, where mistaken detentions of those legally present might occur.
Laura Munoz of Florida Student Power, an organization supporting immigrant youth, stated they are gearing up for potential conflicts, including organizing networks of legal and community support. The approach is seen as potentially harsh and terrorizing, with immigration attorney Ira Kurzban dismissing Trump’s lofty deportation figures as impractical. Kurzban argues that the U.S. economy would face severe disruptions if millions of workers were suddenly deported, making these claims unrealistic.
Turning to Latin American policy, Trump’s prospective appointment of Rubio as Secretary of State is telling. Rubio’s strong positions against leftist regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela suggest a hardline approach. Eduardo Gamarra, a politics professor at FIU, mentions that due to the prioritization of immigration, Mexico may initially dominate the focus. “Mexico brings forward three major issues that tie into our global interest,” Gamarra explained, referring to migration, trade, and international relations, particularly concerning China.
Rubio could recalibrate U.S. relations with Latin American countries based on strategic interests. Despite Cuba’s leadership dismissing Trump’s deportation plan as impractical, and neighboring Bahamas indicating resource limitations for accommodating deportees, the potential for diplomatic negotiations remains. Gamarra speculates that the administration might consider arrangements with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to manage migrant returns, marking a shift from previous policies.
As the Trump administration prepares for its second term, the dual focus on aggressive immigration enforcement and strategic maneuvers in Latin American policy outlines a complex foreign policy landscape. With far-reaching impacts expected both domestically and internationally, experts and observers are paying close attention to the unfolding strategies and their implications.
Source: Nbcmiami
